(Visalia, CA) Hmong Veteran Sues to Return to Laos

[Kadie]

Visalia Hmong Veteran Sues to Return to Laos
Posted: May 11, 2010 11:44 PM PDT

By Norma Yuriar

Fresno, Calif. (KMPH News) — An 88–year old Hmong veteran who moved to the valley to seek refuge says he now wants to return to his homeland to be buried in Hmong tradition. But, he's facing a major obstacle the U.S. government won't let him leave — just yet.

Mr. Xiong's full identity is not being released because he's afraid of persecution when he returns to Laos.

Xiong's attorney describes his client as a war hero. He says the Hmong veteran can't return to his native country without his passport. It was confiscated when he filed for political asylum in the U.S. and until the process is complete he won't be able to go home.

"He's an old man," Attorney Ken Seeger said. "He's been in poor health over the past year or so."

The 88–year old fought alongside U.S. forces during the Vietnam War and moved to Visalia to seek refuge. But, now he wants to go home and spend his final days with family.

"It's more than sadness, he's frightened of the prospect of dying here, instead of his homeland," Seeger said.

"If you don't have a proper ceremony then that person can't have complete journey to heaven," Hmong Shaman Bee Pha said.


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http://www.kmph.com/Global/story.asp?S=12467128